ACMIT is proud to collaborate with Schoeller-Bleckmann Nitec GmbH that is part of the Christof Group, in a joint research project to develop advanced fiber-optic sensor systems for in-situ monitoring of heat exchanger tube wall thickness changes, in a real-time during operation.
This project is recognized as highly innovative and is financially supported by GFF – research promotion agency of Lower Austria, under the project number FTI21-A-005.
The main idea behind the project is to enhance safety and efficiency of critical process equipment that is operating in highly corrosive industrial environments through advanced sensing and data analysis.
The advanced fiber-optic sensor system has the ability to function in-situ and in-operando, even under high-pressure (up to 200 bar), high-temperature (up to 250°C) and steam conditions, by applying Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis for the vibration spectrum of the HE tubes. The novel sensing system breaks down complex vibration signals into frequency components and in these changes of frequencies can indicate even smallest variations in wall thickness (Δ0,01 mm).
The system is based on a fiber-optic interferometry, where a tightly wound single-mode fiber coil around the HE tube serves as an intrinsic stress and vibration sensor. The result is a non-invasive, real-time monitoring solution, that supports predictive maintenance and enhances industrial safety.
The technology is supported by patents (EP000004310434B1, WO002024017511A1) and has been successfully presented at international conventions.
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